Aerospace Systems Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: H410
International Code: EECU092

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MEng:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Coventry University’s aerospace degree courses offer innovative curriculum and learning opportunities, current strong industry links and excellent technical facilities.

  • This course is designed to provide you with the opportunity to learn the vital skills required to join the teams of aerospace systems engineers designing and developing systems for the next generation of aircraft.
  • Previous BEng graduates have obtained jobs in the military as pilots and engineers, as systems design engineers for Marshalls of Cambridge and Rolls Royce in Derby, and engineers in various aspects of the aerospace industry, with companies such as Meggitt, Goodrich, Moog and HS Marstons.
  • Designed to support the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), the course is centred upon systems for aerospace vehicles and the requirement to design total system solutions including practical and virtual design skills.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • The BEng (Hons) Aerospace Systems Engineering degree is currently accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) as partially satisfying the requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration*.
  • Expert guest lectures, which previously have covered topics such as green landing systems, airship developments, aircraft design and training, and non-destructive testing in aircraft braking systems. (Subject to availability).
  • On and off site access to commercial engineering software, including 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Multibody Systems for design and simulation, as well as training in industry standard Catia, HyperWorks, STAR-CCM+, SIMPACK and Matlab/Simulink software. (Limitations to off-site access may apply)
  • Our excellent facilities include a full-size Harrier Jet (used for teaching), 3 full-scale flight simulators, wind tunnel, composites lab, metrology lab, environmental test lab, flow lab, AVL engine test cell, automotive workshop, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), civil engineering specialist testing equipment, a range of CNC machinery and a laser workshop.
  • Free student membership of WES, the Women’s Engineering Society, which is an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity society open to all regardless of gender identity.
  • All students are eligible for free student membership of The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Womens Engineering Society (WES), which is an inclusive society open to all, regardless of gender identity.

*This course is currently accredited by RAeS for the (2022/23) intake. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Accredited by:

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

Aerospace Systems Engineering BEng (Hons) is currently accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), as fully meeting the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration (subject to additional costs) and partially satisfying the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration (subject to additional costs).

The University’s accreditation with RAeS shall be up for renewal in 2022, and all students intakes up to and including the 2022 academic year should be covered by the current accreditation.

The MEng final year of the course was introduced in September 2020 and will seek accreditation by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for fully meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration. If the accreditation status of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

More than just a degree

During my time at Coventry University my life has changed in countless positive ways and I feel like my course has enhanced me with enough experiences to make a difference in the future. As far as engineering goes, the University has done an admirable job at preparing us for the highly competitive market awaiting us.

Marius Dorobantu, Aerospace Systems Engineering BEng (Hons), December 2020
Male student in front of a jet plane using a measurement tool

The Flying Classroom

We have developed a practical flight test experience to enhance the learning experience for undergraduate aerospace engineering students.

Learn more
Aeroplane sat on runway at airport.

What you'll study

The first year aims to build on your established skills to provide a foundation of key engineering subjects and an essential grounding in the key aeronautical principles. You will be provided with an introduction to aerospace topics including aerodynamics, power plants, aircraft systems and structures.

This is reinforced with the use of practical laboratory sessions using our full-sized aircraft, wind tunnel and flight simulator hardware. For example, you will have the opportunity to remove, inspect, overhaul and reinstate critical aircraft components like the aircraft braking system, aileron or rudder. You will also have the chance to perform a series of aircraft manoeuvres in the full-scale flight simulator to collect data to analyse the flying characteristic of the aircraft and design, develop and manufacture crashworthy landing gears for quadcopter using 3D printers.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is as part of the first year suite of module that give the student a broad introduction to each of the main Aeronautical Engineering disciplines. It covers the essentials of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics and an introduction to Matlab programming to enable solving of simple engineering problems.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces students to Computer Aided Design (CAD), the design process and develops their professional skills. This module will help students to produce a CAD model ready for processing into a physical engineering product.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to further develop the students' competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering whilst at the same time emphasising fundamental concepts which the engineer needs to understand in order to produce a mathematical formulation of a problem.

    Compulsory

  • The module introduces students to the basic concepts and principles used in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with an emphasis on Aerospace applications. The module will focus is on steady state DC circuit analysis and AC circuit analysis and its use with appropriate models to investigate the characteristics of common electrical systems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to give the student a broad introduction to each of the main Aeronautical Engineering disciplines. It covers the essentials of thermodynamics, propulsion and an introduction to aircraft systems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to give the student a broad introduction to each of the main Aeronautical Engineering disciplines. It covers the essential and fundamental knowledge of solid mechanics needed by all Engineering students, laying the foundation to apply that knowledge to the design of aircraft structures and the associated materials.

    Compulsory

  • Compulsory

The second year builds on the foundations of Year 1 to enhance your specialist knowledge and analysis in the key aerospace systems themes of the programme. The majority of the modules include teaching of industry standard specialist computer aided analysis tools to support your study and enhance your employability.

Modules

  • The module aims to develop key capabilities required in the design of aerospace components and subsystems. Specifically these key capabilities include: design, analysis, synthesis, and the application of information technology tools.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to present the concepts of signal acquisition and processing required as part of the study of avionic systems. It covers radio and data communication, electromagnetic propagation, radar, navigation and digital signal processing as applied in aircraft systems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to give the student a solid theoretical foundation for understanding feedback control system analysis, design and application. The module covers standard analysis tools found in control theory and system modelling, including root loci, Bode plots, step response and system modelling.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to build upon the basic principles covered in year one and to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of rigid body mechanics, stress analysis, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. It will teach students to correctly apply solid mechanics and thermofluids theory to design problems by means of practical examples.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce students to the software techniques and the application of Engineering Simulation in modern engineering design and analysis. Students will use a range of industry standard Computer Aided Engineering software packages to model, analyse and evaluate the aerodynamic and structural performance properties of simple aerospace components.

    Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

Following your second year, there is an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution.

Past students have undertaken placements working for Aero Engine Controls, GE Aviation, UTC Actuation Systems, HS Marston, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus Bertrandt, Meggitt, Tata Technologies, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, JCB, BMW, Morgan Materials, GKN Aerospace and Arrowsmith.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year, however we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. While the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements.

The final year of the BEng programme covers propulsion systems design, supersonic aerodynamics, your individual project and a variety of group design work. In this group work, you will have the chance to compete as part of a team to produce a demanding system design, which has previously included the design of an aircraft landing system and the design then construction of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone. In 2019, the Coventry University aircraft was best UK entrant in the BFMA heavy lift challenge.

The course culminates with your individual research project. Past students have examined flight data analysis for Red Bull Air Racing, aerodynamic noise reduction of van roof racks, diesel engine duty cycle optimisation and heat exchanger optimisation for local companies. Other projects include real-time control of Segway type rig, winglet design and testing.

MEng students will study this same programme but are streamed in their group projects (Aerospace Systems Design and Aerospace System Prototype and Validation) to ensure that their built aircraft provides the platform for the systems integration module of their final MEng year.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to provide preparation for a student to undertake a substantial individual project. Successful completion of the module will require methodical planning, record keeping and self management, effective communication and delivery of report.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity to research, design, implement and critically evaluate a functional or simulated system, object or concept and to acquire deeper knowledge of a specialist technical area.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to enhance the key capabilities required in the design of a complex aerospace system. Specifically these key capabilities include: conceptual and preliminary design and development of an aerospace system.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of aerospace propulsion system design and optimisation. The module focuses on the analysis and determination of thrust and efficiency performance criteria for air-breathing gas turbine engines and the impact of varying cycle parameters on these performance metrics.

    Compulsory

  • The module builds on the Aerospace Systems Design Module to enhance the key capabilities required in the design and validation of a complex aerospace system. Specifically these key capabilities include: development, analysis and validation of an aerospace system within both the virtual and physical environment.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the introductory knowledge acquired from Avionics Systems I regarding initial sub-system design and requirements to complete sub-system design, verification and testing.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

At master’s level, the course is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of core aerospace subjects (system integration, propulsion system design, structural design and materials) and strategic management to enable you to solve multidisciplinary problems of increasing complexity.

The MEng year is an optional additional year, and you can chose to exit with a BEng (Hons) degree after three years.

Modules

  • This module is designed to extend students' existing knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics. This will be achieved through the analysis and evaluation of practical aerospace configurations.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop a broad understanding of modern approaches for design and analysis of aerospace structures. This is achieved through a deeper understanding of the design challenges in materials, structures, manufacturing, durability and light-weighting.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce the student to the various elements that make up the system integration skills necessary in the aerospace industry. The module provides the student with the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the importance of selecting appropriate hardware, software, strategies and integration standards.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop the student’s critical analysis skills in the detailed aero-mechanical design of gas turbine engines and electric propulsion systems. Students will be challenged to grapple with the iterative and interdisciplinary nature of the aeronautical and mechanical design of the gas turbine engine core and explore the potential and limitations of numerical tools to support their design analysis.

    Compulsory

  • Aerospace engineering design is a multidisciplinary activity in which many branches and aspects of engineering are merged to obtain the desired outcomes. The aim of this module is to cement the student’s critical integration skills through a complex design, make, test, evaluate group project for an aerospace systems integration application.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide students with the ability to develop and implement business innovation and intrapreneurship within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability. Students will be introduced to and develop firm understanding of the theory, practices and importance of innovation and intrapreneurship focusing mainly on larger multinational organizations.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

My placement at Cummins

International student Abhiveer Facknat’s placement enabled him to get real life industry experience, develop his interpersonal and technical skills whilst boosting his employability prospects.

Read his story
Abhiveer Facknat standing with colleagues

How you'll learn

We incorporate a wide range of learning and teaching methods as part of our innovative activity-led learning and we will encourage you to learn through stimulating activity, such as a project, problem, scenario, case study or enquiry in a classroom, laboratory or work setting. This has been proven to engage students and creates challenge, relevance, integration, professional awareness and variety to help you learn technical, personal and professional skills. When considering avionic systems, for example, we study a number of real-life case studies, including the design and development of hands-on Arduino based projects for aircraft data logging and control.

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst:

  • Personal tutorials
  • Medium group teaching in tutorial sessions
  • Lab sessions and workshops
  • Large group teaching
  • Lectures

In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 16-20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week in the first year, reducing to around 15 contact hours per week in the second, third and MEng year as you become a more independent learner.***

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, tests, essays, practical or project work, group work and presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready

On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • The function, analysis and design of aerospace systems (adopting a necessary multidisciplinary systems approach to the aerospace study).
  • The key principles of mechanical science, electrical science and engineering mathematics and their application in analysing the performance of engineering products.
  • Aspects of the design process, aerospace design standards, selection of materials and manufacturing processes.
  • The international operation of the aerospace industry.
  • The function of engineering management (including social, economic, ethical, global and environmental concerns).

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Solve engineering problems using appropriate engineering science and mathematical techniques.
  • Analyse engineering systems using appropriate engineering and mathematical analysis techniques.
  • Design system solutions to innovative aerospace related design problems.
  • Search and evaluate information sources to identify information essential to solving engineering problems.
  • Adopt a holistic approach to aerospace systems in a commercial context.
  • Undertake experimental investigations to validate a proposed hypothesis.
  • Employ appropriate engineering tools to analysis engineering design.
  • Work on aircraft systems safely.
  • Construct and maintain engineering documentation.
  • Use software tools appropriate to communicate, design and analyse engineering problems.

International experience opportunities

The university is committed to providing a global educational experience and we encourage you to undertake a placement year or study year abroad after your second year of study. We will endeavour to support you in finding a placement anywhere in the world and in seeking financing for that experience.

The majority of work placements have been within the UK, but previous students have been placed in GKN Aerospace (Munich, Germany), Bertrandt (Hamburg, Germany) and Airbus (Toulouse, France). The majority of study abroad student have studied at high education institutions within Europe, including Aerospace Engineering at UPM, Spain.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A Level ABB-BBB to include Mathematics and one from Engineering, Physics, or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies
BTEC D*DD-DDM in an Engineering subject, to include Merits in 'Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems' and 'Further Engineering Mathematics' units
IB Diploma 31 points to include either Physics, Design Technology, IT or Mathematics at Higher level
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with International admissions

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building house an impressive range of industry standard equipment.

Flight Simulators

Flight Simulators

Our simulators create an exciting way to learn, with 61 channels of flight data which can be analysed to assess the accuracy of a students’ own design. The simulators are incorporated into an air traffic control environment.

Harrier Jet

Harrier Jet

Our Harrier T4 allows students to gain hands-on experience with the parts, tools and mechanical aspects of a real aircraft. It is used by many engineering disciplines to learn how an aircraft works and how to maintain it.

Model Making Shop

Model Making Shop

Used by our aerospace students to build model aircrafts. The workshop includes laser cutting, wood working and foam cutting technology to help bring our students designs into the real world.

Careers and opportunities

The UK aerospace industry is the largest in Europe and second only to USA (according to ADS Aerospace Facts & Figures). The industry had turnover of £33.9 billion in 2019 and includes BAE Systems, GKN and Rolls-Royce, and a range of international companies with operations in the UK, such as Airbus, Cobham, AgustaWestland, Finmeccanica, Thales, Boeing and Bombardier.

This course aims to produce graduates with the skills to become successful system-design engineers and engineering managers, both in aerospace and the wider engineering context, in fields such as aircraft and components design and manufacture, maintenance and testing, propulsion systems, flight simulation, aviation, avionics, patent engineering, financial services and many more.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have obtained jobs in the military as pilots and engineers, as systems design engineers for Marshalls of Cambridge and Rolls Royce in Derby, and engineers in various aspects of the aerospace industry, with companies such as Meggitt, Goodrich, Moog and HS Marstons. We have graduates currently working overseas at Airbus in France and Berntrandt in Germany.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Aerospace Engineering Msc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).